فَإِذَا لَقِيتُمُ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا۟ فَضَرْبَ ٱلرِّقَابِ حَتَّىٰٓ إِذَآ أَثْخَنتُمُوهُمْ فَشُدُّوا۟ ٱلْوَثَاقَ فَإِمَّا مَنًّۢا بَعْدُ وَإِمَّا فِدَآءً حَتَّىٰ تَضَعَ ٱلْحَرْبُ أَوْزَارَهَا ۚ ذَٰلِكَ وَلَوْ يَشَآءُ ٱللَّهُ لَٱنتَصَرَ مِنْهُمْ وَلَـٰكِن لِّيَبْلُوَا۟ بَعْضَكُم بِبَعْضٍ ۗ وَٱلَّذِينَ قُتِلُوا۟ فِى سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ فَلَن يُضِلَّ أَعْمَـٰلَهُمْ 4
Translations
So when you meet those who disbelieve [in battle], strike [their] necks until, when you have inflicted slaughter upon them, then secure [their] bonds, and either [confer] favor afterwards or ransom [them] until the war lays down its burdens. That [is the command]. And if Allāh had willed, He could have taken vengeance upon them [Himself], but [He ordered armed struggle] to test some of you by means of others. And those who are killed in the cause of Allāh - never will He waste their deeds.
Transliteration
Fa-idha laqitumu alladhina kafaruu fadharba al-riqabi hatta idha athkhantumuhum fashudduu al-wathaq fa-imma mannan baadu wa-imma fidaa hatta tadaa al-harbu awzaraha. Dhalika wa-law yashaa allahu laintasara minhum walakin liyabluwaa baadakum bibaadin. Wa-alladhina qutilu fi sabil allahi falan yudilla aammalhum.
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah addresses the conduct of Muslim warriors when encountering disbelievers in battle, instructing them to fight until the enemy is thoroughly defeated and then to either grant them clemency or accept ransom. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Qurtubi note that the verse establishes principles for warfare: the permission to fight, the conditions for treatment of captives after victory, and the ultimate purpose of such trials in testing believers' faith. The final clause affirms that martyrs in Allah's cause will not lose their deeds, elevating the spiritual dimension of jihad.
Revelation Context
This surah was revealed in Medina after the Muslims had established themselves as a community capable of self-defense. The ayah reflects the context of early Islamic warfare, particularly referencing the battles against Meccan polytheists and other hostile forces. It comes within the broader theme of Surah Muhammad, which discusses the nature of believers' steadfastness in faith and conduct during conflict.
Related Hadiths
Sahih Bukhari 3042: The Prophet (peace be upon him) instructed Abu Bakr and others to treat captives well. Also relevant is the practice documented in early Islamic sources regarding the treatment of prisoners of war, reflecting the balance between strength in battle and mercy in victory.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches that physical struggle in defense of faith is legitimate, but victory must be tempered with justice and mercy in how captives are treated. For modern readers, it emphasizes that strength without compassion is incomplete; true faith manifests in both courageous defense of principles and humane treatment of those who are defeated or vulnerable.